Big Changes Ahead

I have a pretty huge announcement to make... Dino and I are moving!

It's come time for us to leave our current barn, and I was blessed with the incredible opportunity to board at a place that is a literal TWO MINUTE drive from where I live. Honestly, I could walk there if I wanted. The owner of the farm foxhunts and events, and is also a student of my trainer. The move is going to have huge benefits for Dino, including but not limited to:

• Free access to his stall, pasture, and well-maintained dry lot at all times
• Beautiful grass hay fed free-choice all day long
• Another PONY and two MINI-DONKS for friends!
• LOADS of space for trail riding and hacking that we can access right from the property
• A grass riding arena with a set of lovely jumps and a dressage court, separated by a hill that will do amazing things for Dino's weak stifles

For me, being at the new barn will give me the opportunity to foxhunt(!), to ride my pony in the middle of the day or in the morning if I want, to know that he is being watched over like a hawk at all times, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing all his needs are being taken care of without me having to work my butt off on a daily basis. I'll be gaining a trail riding buddy and eventing partner, and look forward to learning from the barn owner's years of experience in horsekeeping, riding, showing, and hunting. I also will not be working off any of my board, so the hours saved by not having to work or drive many miles to the barn and back each day will allow me to pursue other business opportunities and spend more time with my husband. 

No barn is perfect, however, and the one sticking point with this place is that there isn't a riding arena with footing - just grass. So when things are wet or frozen, we can't do ring work. However, the barn owner also trailers over to our trainer's indoor at least once a week, and has contacts at several other area barns with indoor arenas. Having access to the surrounding farms and land also means that when the grass arena at home isn't useable, I can ride out and keep my pony fit that way. Dino also VASTLY prefers getting out and about to working in the ring, and I know it's the right move for him. It will keep him happier in mind and soul to work 'outside' more often.

I gave my notice to my current barn, and we'll be making the change mid-April. I'm excited and nervous all at once... change is hard!